Midnight, end of Christmas Day, and all light
vanishes sudden as gasp from townhouse.
Soprano singing Mozart flicks off. Night
floods living room. I feel my way like soused
reveler upstairs to find flashlight, stare
at blank computer screen. Then coiled serpent
of winter cold slithers through darkened lair,
my bare frame swept in sweat clothes. I repent
lost words for your sonnet, pray they’ll return
with revived currents. Two days pass. Lying
under daughter’s crocheted afghan, I yearn
to see your smile, gaze at candlelight, sing
oh so softly carol flowing from my
Walkman, pretend we’re warmed by angels’ eyes.
Roger Armbrust
December 29, 2012
